Mac Tarzan Johnson

Mac Tarzan Johnson was born January 30, 1923 northeast of Campo to George and Bertha Johnson not far from his current farm where he lived the past 50 years of his life. Tar had two brothers Ralph and George, who had a twin sister Georgia. He also had 2 step brothers Russell and Clell, as well as 3 step sisters Ethel, Bessie and Alice whom Tar was especially close to. Tar met Zelma, the love of his life, at the skating rinks in Lamar Colorado. They were married in Boise City Oklahoma on June 8, 1942. Two daughters were born to this union- Shirley Maxine Brauch who resides in Fort Meyers Beach Florida and Carolyn Johnson of Springfield. He also has 3 grandchildren- Torrin Mac Brauch, Ty Brauch, and Beverly Seeman, as well as 9 great grandchildren- Cheyanne Nelson, Zac Tarzan Nelson, Brendan Mac Seeman, Brett Seeman, Brady Seeman, Trey Brauch, Torie Brauch, Ella Brauch, and Mya Brauch. Tar was preceeded in death by his parents, wife Zelma of 63 years, all his brothers and sisters, and his beloved granddaughter Holli Jo Nelson. Tar was well known in Baca County as a rancher and broomcorn farmer at his farm nine miles from Campo. He and Zelma loved to entertain friends and family members as frequently as possible. They enjoyed having all night card parties and going to Springfield to visit friends. Tar and Zelma had lived in Colorado Springs for a period of 8 years before moving to their farm. He had a very successful business constructing gas stations for Standard and Chevron Companies. He managed to obtain a general contractor’s license without completing high school. Tar was admired for his physical strength, his determination to work hard and his qualities of kindness and friendliness to others. He was generous and supportive to countless friends and relatives. Tar passed away August 14, 2012 at the Springfield Colorado Hospital after a short bout with pneumonia. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association via their website at www.alz.org